Employee Relations Specialist
Location: US, TX, Austin
Department:  	Corporate Shared Services
Salary range: 35000-45000
Employment type: Full-time
Required experience: Entry level
Required education: High School or equivalent
Industry: Human Resources
Function: Administrative

Company profile:
As the industry’s largest supply contracting company, Novation serves the purchasing needs of more than 65,000 VHA, UHC and Provista member organizations and their affilliates. Novation delivers unmatched supply savings and value through its sourcing services, as well as information and data services. Through its affiliation with VHA, UHC and Provista, Novation represents the largest purchasing volume in the industry more than $40 billion in annual purchases.To help our alliance members meet the needs of their communities, our mission is to deliver to them unmatched savings and value. One of the ways we deliver on our mission is by facilitating the introduction of products and services that are designed to help members drive sustainable results, improve quality and reduce costs.

Job description:
Act as a first point of contact for employee-related issues, conducting intake meetings with employees and/or managers who contact the Employee Relations Center of Excellence (COE) and helping to resolve concerns, address performance issues and work through escalated complaints or issues through providing coaching, mediation, consultation, corrective action and training. Provide advice, guidance and support to management and HR Business Partners, in partnership with the Employee Relations Leader, to efficiently address a wide array of employee conduct and performance-related issues, keeping appropriate parties apprised of the status and associated recommendations, as appropriate. Effectively develop and administer (in partnership with management) required corrective action and/or developmental action plans, as required. Partner with human resources and Legal leadership to design, cascade and promote standardized processes, templates, tools and/or technologies for use in managing employee relations activities, corrective action administration and escalated issue resolution protocols. Drive for consistent methodologies and practices that align with Novation vision around effective Employee Relations strategies. Provide training to further promote the Employee Relations COE and ensure consistency in approach across teams and business units whenever appropriate. Partner with human resources and cross functional partners (HR Business Partners, HR Operations, Legal, Compliance, business leadership, etc.) to proactively investigate and resolve escalated employee relations issues, as assigned. Gather detailed, pertinent information by conducting fact-finding interviews and investigations, interpreting the findings, preparing associated documentation, and meeting with management and the HR Business Partner to discuss possible action steps to resolve the issue. Partner with the Employee Relations Leader and Legal on employment law issues that are highly complex or that pose a risk to the company such as EEO complaints, lawsuits, complaint resolutions, understanding applicable law and potential liability. Ensure the Employee Relations database is updated on a regular and timely basis, providing thorough and detailed information surrounding the intake meeting(s), investigation procedures, resolution strategies, and associated next steps. Produce regular reports and metrics to help monitor trends in employment practices. Participate in the development and facilitation of training on a variety of employee relations topics including performance management, the performance improvement and corrective action processes, harassment, EEO regulations and other related ER topics. Provide HR coordinator support to the Escrow Services business, including assignment spanning the following categories: staffing and recruiting, reporting and dashboard development, exit interviews and associated trend analyses, meeting coordination, etc. Participate in special projects and perform other duties as required.

Requirements:
Minimum of three (3) years of work Novationoffers an empowered work environment that encourages creativity, initiative and professional growth and provides a competitive salary and benefits package. Novation is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and maintains a Drug-Free Workplace. We are fully committed to employing a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive work environment that embraces everyone’s unique contributions, experiences and values. Please apply on our website for #URL_9df44aa03d8a2708a5b7eb9f42cb8dfea4f5ee8bb3e37f676ad1d8031248b996# in an employee relations related field. Experience working in a shared services or COE model preferred. Knowledge of ER procedures and processes such as the proper handling of investigations, employee complaints and corrective actions. Technical understanding of employment laws and employee dispute resolution programs. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Exceptional customer service focus and orientation. A high level of emotional intelligence and excellent interpersonal skills. Proven project management skills, including attention to detail and a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and tasks. Proven ability to multi-task in a high volume environment; ability to prioritize conflicting demands, and organize time and focus to bring investigations efficiently to successful completion. Ability to effectively engage with individuals at all levels of the organization. Demonstrated ability to influence and build collaborative relationships across divisions and geographies. Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills. Ability to operate with a high degree of sensitivity and confidentiality. Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Ability and willingness to travel as needed; estimate up to 20%.

Benefits:
Novation offers an empowered work environment that encourages creativity, initiative and professional growth and provides a competitive salary and benefits package. Novation is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and maintains a Drug-Free Workplace. We are fully committed to employing a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive work environment that embraces everyone’s unique contributions, experiences and values. Please apply on our website for consideration.